That’s a Wrap WBENCPitch 2024:
Some Words from our WINNER & Finalists!
The 2024 WBENCPitch Competition is officially over and in case you missed the memo, we are thrilled that our very own network member, Panic Panties (co-founded by Maria Marino, Alex Tartell Bernstein, and Katherine Anne Koury) walked home with the first prize – and $25,000! This huge win came after three years of participating in the program, revealing the true value of continuing to show up and put yourself out there. You truly never know when your moment will come.
WBENCPitch Amplify is a signature WBENC program featuring a series of pitch competitions and educational sessions to help WBEs hone their business pitch, gain meaningful exposure, and compete for grants and other prizes to invest in their business. Does this sound like something you could benefit from? 2025 is fast approaching! Keep reading to hear more about the experience and journey of the Panic Panties team, as well as those of the other WBEs in our network who were finalists in WBENC Pitch this year.
Queirra Fenderson, CEO of The Ambition Studio (DMV), the award-winning leaders in unapologetic, burnout-free transformation for inclusive companies and the women who lead them, had this to say:
“When entering the WBENCPitch Competition, I sought to solidify The Ambition Studio's vision: to empower women leaders to achieve work/life harmony. This competition provided an incredible platform to connect with corporate supplier diversity leaders and fellow women-owned businesses, allowing us to truly refine our message and strengthen our brand promise.
Through this process, I gained invaluable skills in positioning and articulating our core mission: to provide transformative executive coaching that expands the capacity of women leaders, both personally and professionally.
The WBENCPitch Competition is a must for any woman entrepreneur seeking to expand her network, increase her company's visibility, and rise to the occasion of being the face of her brand. This experience has been pivotal in shaping The Ambition Studio's future, and I'm excited to continue forging strong relationships with the connections I've made!”
Jennifer Wiley, Founder & CEO, Wet Cement (NY), a consultancy helping teams conquer fear to drive personal, professional and business growth, added:
“Participating in this year's WBENCPitch competition was transformative for me and my company for many reasons. It helped us take our pitch to the next level, built a community of innovative, empowering, and fearless entrepreneurs, and inspired me to grow in new ways. I'm grateful WBENC provides this powerful platform for us to accelerate our success and network. Hopefully, it will also translate into new business for Wet Cement!"
Carrie Sporer, Founder, Swair Hair (NY), the cruelty-free haircare company, with products designed for active women, had a similar takeaway:
“Participating in the WBENCPitch contest finals in Washington, DC, was an incredible experience. In particular, the pitch coaching I received was invaluable, helping me refine my presentation and gain confidence in delivering SWAIR’s story.
I also loved connecting with the other founders and the greater WBENC community—so much so that I’ve stayed in touch with many of them since the event, continuing to support one another.”
Linda Hamilton, Founder of Linda Hamilton CPA LLC (NY), award-winning advisors empowering business owners to grow through advisory, tax and accounting services, growth accelerator programs, mentoring, and coaching, shed some light on the process itself, sharing:
“I was thrilled to be one of twelve service businesses to make it to the WBENCPitch finals. I didn’t win but still felt like a winner. I learned a lot about myself and the process. The most valuable part of the experience was getting to know the other finalists.
Even though it was a competition, we cheered each other on. This is the true spirit of the WBENC community.
I also learned a lot from the judges' questions after the pitch. My answers were okay, but I thought of much better responses as I walked off the stage. Here are the questions I was asked:
- How long does it take to become financially fluent?
- What does your business model look like?
- How do you retain clients?
All great questions that will help me better explain how my coaching and mastermind empowers women through financial education that AMPLIFIES Profit. Thank you, WBENC for the opportunity. And a big thank you to all of the judges for giving their time and support to the contestants.”
Quinn Conyers, Speak to Society (DMV), coaching entrepreneurs and executives to communicate confidently in high-pressure situations or speaking engagements, had this to say:
“Being in the WBENC pitch competition was a wonderful experience. I had the chance to connect and exchange energy with other women business owners all while getting a chance to introduce my communication clinics concept to judges, fellow WBEs and audience members.
I wholeheartedly encourage any certified women business owners to participate. It's A great way to network as well as share your business with the world.”
Finally, Maria Marino, co-founder of Panic Panties, providing individually-wrapped, ready-to-wear panties for all kinds of underwear emergencies, had some inspiring words for any other WBE interested in participating in WBENCPitch 2025 – whether it’s your first or fifth time:
“This was our third year participating in the WBENC National Pitch Competition. We continued entering each year in hopes of one day taking home the grand prize, but the real reason we kept coming back was the connections we made each year. From collaborating with fellow WBEs (shoutout to Daybird & SWAIR!) to building relationships with incredible corporate partners, it’s these connections that make the competition so special.
During our first year at Nationals, we had an unexpected and pivotal moment: meeting the CVS Supplier Diversity Team at the welcome dinner. They loved the idea of Panic Panties, and when we shared that CVS was our dream retailer, they were eager to help us connect with the right buyer. Fast forward two years, and we’re now sold in 5,000 CVS stores—all thanks to the CVS team who believed in us and WBENC’s one-of-a-kind pitch competition for creating the opportunity for us to meet.
A big thanks to the Jayne Agency who worked with each WBE this year to help prepare us for finals! I learned so much about pitching in just two sessions with Brooke Foley and team.”
And as though this long-awaited victory wasn’t enough, Panic Panties has since been honored again with the prestigious CVS Health Rising Star of the Year award for the company's innovative approach, forward-thinking mindset, and ability to make a significant impact within a short period. On this win, CVS Health commented:
“Panic Panties exemplifies the spirit of innovation and has become a beacon of creativity within the industry… What sets Panic Panties apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company has consistently delivered products that resonate with consumers, building a loyal customer base and strong brand reputation. Their innovative marketing strategies and dedication to customer service have further cemented their status as a rising star.”
One thing is clear – both when it comes to the WBENCPitch Program, and generally speaking: the journey itself matters as much as the destination. Panic Panties' well-deserved win is a testament to the resilience, determination, and innovation that they, as well as all the WBEs across our network, bring to the table every day. Their story reminds us all that success often comes to those who persist, learn, and grow with each and every opportunity. And the positive experiences that every finalist took home from this experience, from the skills they learned to the connections they made, illustrate the value – both to our businesses and to our personal growth – that programs like this provide.
The WBENCPitch competition offers not only financial rewards but, also the invaluable tools and networking opportunities that fuel long-term success. And so, whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to step up your game, take inspiration from this year’s outcome: your moment could be just around the corner.
Congratulations again to Panic Panties and all the incredible WBEs who participated this year. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next! Keep showing up, keep pitching, and keep building a brighter future – both for your own businesses and for women-owned businesses everywhere. Your dedication and success uplift not only your own businesses, but strengthen the entire ecosystem of WBEs in our network.
The WBENCPitch competition is a fantastic opportunity to grow, learn, and make meaningful connections. Stay tuned for how to take part in the 2025 competition. You could be next year’s success story!